Artists in Action (AiA), a nonprofit organization supporting Salem-area artists, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a public reception on May 3, 2026, at Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery in Salem, Oregon. Founded by Diane Trevett and about five other artists, the group began as a small support network for struggling artists and has grown into an established arts organization with around 65 active members. AiA hosts monthly openings, critique sessions, open-call shows, and special events like Paint and Write the Town, providing opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work across various mediums.
The milestone matters because it highlights the enduring value of grassroots, volunteer-run arts organizations in building community and filling gaps in local art infrastructure. According to members like Anna Davis, co-owner of Salem on the Edge gallery, AiA has been a consistent source of connection, support, and exhibition opportunities for artists in Salem, especially during disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. The anniversary underscores how artist-led initiatives can thrive through collaboration and mutual aid, offering a model for sustaining local art scenes beyond major urban centers.